Power equipment shipping

ABSTRACT

Utilities (e.g., apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipment such as log splitting apparatuses onto cargo trailers or the like in manners that increase the number of assembled log splitting apparatuses that can be loaded onto the cargo trailers (or otherwise result in more efficient loading of assembled log splitting apparatuses onto the cargo trailers) while facilitating assembled presentation of the log splitting apparatuses after unloading from the cargo trailer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/430,201, entitled “POWER EQUIPMENT SHIPPING,” and filed on Feb. 10,2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/346,944, entitled “POWER EQUIPMENT SHIPPING,” and filed on Nov. 9,2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Pat. App. No. 62/281,665,entitled “POWER EQUIPMENT SHIPPING,” and filed on Jan. 21, 2016, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein as if set forth infull.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a power equipment and, moreparticularly, to the shipping of power equipment.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as power tools and equipment are used all over the worldto perform tasks that cannot be performed with or at least would beperformed more inefficiently with a user's hands. For instance, thecontinued popularity of wood as a source of heat has led to increasinguse of powered apparatus for wood splitting purposes. Many differentforms of mechanical wood splitters have been developed. The most commondesign involves a frame mounted blade and platform arrangement whereinthe blade, platform or both are driven toward and away from one anotherusually by a hydraulic cylinder. A wood block is placed between theblade and platform and the cylinder is activated to move the platformand blade together relative to one another thereby driving the bladethrough the wood block.

SUMMARY

Machinery and power equipment are often shipped to retailers andconsumers in a substantially unassembled state and are then required tobe assembled by the retailer or consumer. In the case of power equipmentsuch log splitters, for instance, the various parts of the log splittersare packaged into shipping containers (e.g., wooden boxes, crates, etc.)by a manufacturer or producer and then loaded onto a cargo trailer(e.g., semi-trailer) or the like for eventual shipment to the retailer.Once the unassembled log splitters are unloaded at a particularretailer, the retailer must coordinate opening of the containers,assembly of each log splitter, and movement of the assembled logsplitter onto the retail floor or other location for viewing andpurchase by customers.

One concern with shipping power equipment and machinery in asubstantially unassembled state to retailers is difficulties inassembling the power equipment and moving the assembled power equipmentonto the retail floor or other location for display for consumers. Insome situations, a particular retailer may not happen to employ anyworkers that are specifically trained or have the necessary backgroundnecessary to assemble the particular type of power equipment. As anotherexample, a retailer may employ workers with the necessary expertise toassemble the power equipment but may assign the workers to otherprojects or tasks in the store, or may not have the tools necessary toassemble the power equipment. Regardless of the particular reason,failure of the retailer to open and assemble the unassembled powerequipment is lost revenue for the producer and the retailer, wastedstorage space, deterioration of the power equipment, and the like.

In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are various utilities (e.g.,apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipmentonto cargo trailers or the like in manners that increase the amount ofpower equipment that can be loaded onto the trailers and subsequentlyshipped while facilitating assembled presentation of power equipment toconsumers. More particularly, disclosed herein are utilities thatfacilitate the loading of power equipment in a substantially fullyassembled state into a cargo trailer or other container, increase thequantity of power equipment that can be loaded onto the cargo trailer inthe substantially fully assembled state, and facilitate assembledpresentation of the power equipment after unloading of the powerequipment from the trailer at the retailer. The disclosed utilitiesadvantageously reduce the effort, cost and time required to positionassembled power equipment on the retail floor or other desired locationfor presentation to consumers resulting in increased revenue for theproducer and retailer, reduced deterioration of the power equipment, andthe like.

Any of the embodiments, arrangements, and the like discussed herein maybe used (either alone or in combination with other embodiments,arrangement, and the like) with any of the disclosed aspects. Anyfeature disclosed herein that is intended to be limited to a “singular”context or the like will be clearly set forth herein by terms such as“only,” “single,” “limited to,” or the like. Merely introducing afeature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedent basis practicedoes not limit the corresponding feature to the. Moreover, any failureto use phrases such as “at least one” also does not limit thecorresponding feature to the singular. Use of the phrase “generally,”“at least generally,” “substantially,” “at least substantially” or thelike in relation to a particular feature encompasses the correspondingcharacteristic and insubstantial variations thereof. Finally, areference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase “in oneembodiment” or the like does not limit the use of the feature to asingle embodiment.

Reference will now be made to the following drawings which assist inillustrating the various pertinent features of the various novel aspectsof the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a log splitting apparatus according toone embodiment including a log splitter frame in a first orientationrelative to a trailer of the apparatus.

FIG. 1b is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1a but with the logsplitter frame in a different orientation relative to the trailer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support base for supporting andshipping power equipment in a substantially assembled configuration,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3a is perspective view of the support base of FIG. 2 with the logsplitting apparatus of FIGS. 1a-1b being supported thereon in a verticalorientation.

FIG. 3b is a perspective view similar to that in FIG. 3a , but from adifferent perspective.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of first and second of the support basesof FIG. 2 being spaced from each other.

FIG. 4b is a perspective view similar to that in FIG. 4a , but with thefirst and second support bases being in a nested configuration.

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the first and second of the supportbases of FIG. 4a with first and second of the log splitting apparatusesof FIGS. 1a-1b being respectively supported thereon.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view similar to that in FIG. 5b , but with thefirst support base and log splitting apparatus being partially nestedwith the second support base and second log splitting apparatus.

FIG. 5c is a perspective view similar to that in FIG. 5b , but with thefirst support base and log splitting apparatus being fully nested withthe second support base and second log splitting apparatus.

FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a transport enclosure having a firstplurality of support bases and respective log splitting apparatusesdisposed therein.

FIG. 6b is a perspective view of a transport enclosure having a secondplurality of support bases and respective log splitting apparatusesdisposed therein greater than the first plurality illustrated in FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along the section A-A of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before discussing the packaging and shipping utilities disclosed hereinin more detail, it may be useful to disclose one representative type ofpower equipment with which the utilities may be used. It is to beunderstood, however, that the disclosed utilities may be utilized inconjunction with other forms and types of power equipment.

In this regard, FIGS. 1a-1b illustrate perspective views of a logsplitting apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. Broadly, the logsplitting apparatus 100 includes a log splitter frame 200 that includesa support beam 230 (e.g., I-beam or beams of other cross-sections)having opposite first and second ends 216, 218, opposite first andsecond side portions 220, 222, opposite upper and lower portions 227,228, and a longitudinal axis 290 extending along a length of the supportbeam 230 between the first and second opposite ends 216, 218. The logsplitting apparatus 100 also includes a trailer (e.g., carriage) 300 towhich the log splitter frame 200 is secured (e.g., rigidly ornon-movably, pivotally, etc.) and that facilitates transport of the logsplitter frame 200.

A splitting assembly 265 is linearly translatable along a translationaxis (not shown, but parallel to the longitudinal axis 290) over theupper portion 227 towards and away from a stop member 238 that isrigidly or non-movably attached to and extending away from the upperportion 227 of the support beam 230 for splitting a log received overthe upper portion 227. In one arrangement, the splitting assembly 265may be in the form of a driven member 262 and a piston 264 connected tothe driven member 262. The log splitting apparatus 100 may include anyappropriate drive assembly 400 that is configured to drive the piston264 and the driven member 262 along the translation axis for splittinglogs received over the upper portion 227.

For instance, the driven member 262 may be in the form of a blade (e.g.,two-way or four-way blade) and the stop member 238 may be in the form ofa foot plate (e.g., substantially flat plate including any appropriategripping members extending therefrom or the like) or vice versa. Whilethe stop member 238 is illustrated as generally being positionedadjacent the first end 216 of the support beam 230, the stop member 238may in other arrangements be positioned inwardly from the first end 216.In one embodiment, the log splitter frame 200 may include first andsecond cradle members 234 ₁, 234 ₂ appropriately secured or securable tothe support beam 230 adjacent the upper portion and the first and secondside portions 220, 222 that collectively form a cradle for supporting atleast one log (not shown) placed thereon or therebetween over the upperportion 227. In one arrangement, first and second stripping brackets orassemblies 242 ₁, 242 ₂ may be rigidly attached to and extend away fromthe support beam 230 (e.g., on the upper portion 227 of the log splitterframe 200 adjacent the first and second side portions 220, 222) for usein dislodging logs from the driven member 262 upon retraction of thepiston 262.

As shown, the drive assembly 400 may include a linear actuator in theform of a cylinder 450 (e.g., hydraulic cylinder, etc.) secured to thesupport beam 230 that is configured to move the piston 264 and drivenmember 262 in a first direction towards the stop member 238 to split alog received over the upper portion 227 and in an opposite seconddirection to retract the driven member 262 away from the split log andthe stop member 238 along the translation axis. In one arrangement, thesupport beam 230 may include an anchoring member such as an attachmentlug 246 to which an end of the cylinder 250 may be removably secured inany appropriate manner (e.g., via pin 58). The drive assembly 400 mayalso include a pump and motor assembly 454 that is configured to pumphydraulic fluid from a reservoir through hydraulic lines 466 into one offirst and second chambers (not shown) of the hydraulic cylinder 450 (andsimultaneously out of the other of the first and second chambers) tocorrespondingly drive or advance the splitting assembly 265 in eitherthe first or opposite second direction. While one particular arrangementof a drive assembly 400 has been illustrated, it is to be understoodthat the log splitting apparatus 100 may include various other forms andarrangements of drive assemblies such as those that incorporate ahydraulic system (e.g., including hydraulic pump, fluid lines, cylinder,etc.) or kinetic technology (e.g., including a flywheel, etc.) to drivethe piston 264 and driven member 262, those that incorporate gasoline orelectric motors, etc.

The trailer 300 may broadly be configured to support the log splitterframe 200 a distance above a fixed surface (e.g., above the ground) andfacilitate transport of the log splitter frame 200 between locations. Inone arrangement, the trailer 300 may include a number of wheels such asfirst and second wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂ that are interconnected by an axleassembly 326 for rotation about a rotation axis 330 to move the logsplitting apparatus 100. For instance, the axle assembly 326 may includean axle (not shown) that interconnects the first and second wheels 322₁, 322 ₂ to allow for rotation thereof as well as any appropriatehousing 327 including an internal cavity (not shown) through which theaxle extends and which may provide structural support for the logsplitter frame 200, the drive assembly 400 (e.g., the pump and motorassembly 454), and/or the like.

The log splitter frame 200 may be rigidly or movably (e.g., pivotally)interconnected to the trailer 300 in any appropriate manner. As just oneexample and as shown in FIGS. 1a -1 b, the log splitter frame 200 may bepivotally connected to the axle assembly 326 for pivotal movement abouta pivot axis 334 (e.g., where pivot axis 334 is parallel to rotationaxis 330) between at least first and second positions relative to thetrailer 300, such as the first and second positions shown in FIGS. 1aand 1 b. For instance, a pivot pin 338 (e.g., clevis pin) may beinserted through aligned holes in a first bracket member or assembly 266rigidly attached to and extending away from the support beam 230 (e.g.,on the lower portion 228 of the log splitter frame 200) and in a secondbracket member or assembly 336 rigidly attached to and extending awayfrom the housing 327 of the axle assembly 326.

In one arrangement, the trailer 300 may also include a support beam 342attached to the axle assembly 326 that is broadly configured to provideadditional structural support to the log splitter frame 200, the driveassembly 400, and/or the like as well as facilitate interconnection ofthe log splitting apparatus 100 to a vehicle for transport of the logsplitting apparatus 100. The support beam 342 may be of any appropriatecross section and include opposite first and second ends 344, 346 aswell as a longitudinal axis 390 extending along a length of the supportbeam 342 between the opposite first and second ends 344, 346 and runninggenerally perpendicularly to the rotation axis 330. While shown as asingle member, the support beam 342 may in some embodiments be made upof two or members (e.g., in one arrangement, telescoping members).

In one arrangement, the first end 344 of the support beam 342 may beattached to the housing 327 of the axle assembly 326. As just oneexample, bolts or fasteners (not labeled) may be passed through alignedapertures in the second bracket assembly 336 and the support beam 342.For instance, two or more fasteners may be used to inhibit rotation ofthe support beam 342 relative to the housing 327 during use of the logsplitting apparatus 100 to split logs. While the same bracket assembly(the second bracket assembly 336) is illustrated as both pivotallyattaching the log splitter frame 200 to the housing 327 and rigidlyattaching the support beam 342 to the housing 327, it is also possiblefor separate bracket assemblies to be used to make such connections.

Any appropriate hitch 348 may be disposed adjacent the second end 346 ofthe support beam 342 for attachment to a corresponding hitch assembly ofa vehicle for transport of the log splitting apparatus 100. At least onesupport leg 350 may be attachable (e.g., removably attachable) to thesupport beam 342 in any appropriate manner to support the support beam342 a distance above the ground when the log splitting apparatus 100 isnot attached to a vehicle. More specifically, the support leg 350 may beconfigured to maintain the longitudinal axis 390 of the support beam 342substantially parallel to the ground when the log splitting apparatus100 is in use. In one arrangement, the support leg 350 may be adjustablein height (e.g. telescoping).

The log splitting apparatus 100 may be utilized to split logs with thelongitudinal axis 290 of the log splitter frame 200 either substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis 390 of the support beam 342 of thetrailer 300 (as in FIG. 1a ) or substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 390 of the support beam 342 of the trailer 300 (as inFIG. 1b ). In one arrangement, a locking bracket assembly 270 or thelike may be attached to and extend away from the support beam 230 (e.g.,on the lower portion 228 of the log splitter frame 200) for engagementwith the support beam 342 to maintain parallelity of the longitudinalaxes 290, 390. For instance, a locking pin 272 may be removablyinsertable through aligned apertures (not shown or labeled) in thelocking bracket assembly 270 and the support beam 342 to lock the logsplitter frame 200 to the support beam 342 with the longitudinal axes290, 390 being parallel. To position the log splitter frame 200 into theposition shown in FIG. 1b whereby the longitudinal axis 290 isperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 390, the locking pin 272 may bepulled out of the aperture(s) in the support beam 342 and then the logsplitter frame 200 may be pivoted about the pivot axis 334 into theposition shown in FIG. 1 b. Thereafter, the log splitter frame 200 maybe pivoted about the pivot axis 334 back into the position shown in FIG.1a and the locking bracket assembly 270 and locking pin 272 may be usedto secure the log splitter frame 200 in the position shown in FIG. 1 a.Other arrangements and manners of locking the log splitter frame 200 inthe position shown in FIG. 1a are also envisioned and included herein.

As discussed previously, power equipment is often shipped to retailersand consumers in a substantially unassembled state and is then requiredto be assembled by the retailer or consumer. In the case log splittingapparatuses, for instance, the various parts of the log splittingapparatus are typically packaged into a shipping containers (e.g.,wooden box, crate, etc.) by a manufacturer or producer and then loadedonto a cargo trailer (e.g., semi-trailer) or the like for eventualshipment to the retailer. With reference to the log splitting apparatus100 of FIGS. 1a-1b , for example, the support beam 230, cylinder 450,axle assembly 326, first and second wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂, pump and motorassembly 454, support beam 342, etc. may all be in an unassembled stateand packaged separately into a crate or box for shipment to the retaileror customer.

One concern with shipping power equipment and machinery such as logsplitting apparatuses in a substantially unassembled state isdifficulties in assembling the power equipment once received and movingthe assembled power equipment onto the retail floor or other locationfor display for consumers. However, it has heretofore been impracticalto ship log splitting apparatuses in a substantially fully assembledstate due to inefficiencies and/or possible safety concerns with loadingfully assembled log splitting apparatuses into a transport enclosuresuch as a cargo trailer or the like. As one example, loading theassembled log splitting apparatus 100 in the configuration shown in FIG.1a into a cargo trailer (e.g., where the longitudinal axes 290, 390 areparallel to each other and in a horizontal position within the cargotrailer or otherwise parallel to a floor of the cargo trailer) wouldutilize more space within the cargo trailer than if the log splittingapparatus 100 was disassembled and loaded into a box or crate as istraditionally done.

In an attempt to make up for such lost space, the assembled logsplitting devices 100 could be packaged into boxes or crates and thenstacked on top of each other in the cargo trailer to utilize some of thevertical space in the cargo trailer. However, stacking the boxes orcrates within the cargo trailer can be difficult due to the weightand/or size of the boxes and can present a risk of the boxes fallingduring shipment and thus concerns with safety as well as damage to theapparatuses. The result of fewer log splitting apparatuses being loadedinto the transport enclosure and less efficient use of space in thetransport enclosure during a particular shipment is increased expensesfor the distributor and thus the retailer or customer.

In view of the foregoing, disclosed herein are various utilities (e.g.,apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipmentsuch as log splitting apparatuses onto cargo trailers or the like inmanners that increase the number of assembled log splitting apparatusesthat can be loaded onto the cargo trailers (or otherwise result in moreefficient loading of assembled log splitting apparatuses onto the cargotrailers) while facilitating assembled presentation of the log splittingapparatuses after unloading from the cargo trailer. As will be discussedin more detail herein, the disclosed utilities facilitate loading andshipment of substantially assembled log splitting apparatuses with thelongitudinal axes of the log splitter frames of the apparatuses (e.g.,longitudinal axis 290 of log splitter frame 200) being substantiallyvertical in a resting position within the transport enclosure (e.g.,with the longitudinal axes of the log splitter frames of the apparatusesbeing generally perpendicular to the floor of the enclosure). Shippingsubstantially fully assembled log splitting apparatuses in this manneradvantageously utilizes a smaller footprint within the transportenclosure (e.g., as compared to shipping log splitting apparatuses withthe log splitter beams in a horizontal position within the transportenclosure, such as in the position of FIG. 1) by instead making use ofvertical space within the enclosure that may otherwise be wasted (e.g.,such as due to safety concerns with stacking log splitting apparatusesin the transport enclosure).

In the event that a trailer of the log splitting apparatus includes asupport beam (e.g., support beam 342), a longitudinal axis of thesupport beam (e.g., longitudinal axis 390) may also be positionedvertically within the transport enclosure to further reduce thefootprint occupied by the assembled log splitting device. As just oneexample, the log splitter beam 200 of the apparatus 100 may bepositioned into the configuration shown in FIG. 1a whereby thelongitudinal axes 290, 390 of the log splitter beam 200 and support beam342 of the trailer 300 are substantially parallel. Thereafter, theentire apparatus 100 may be pivoted about the rotation axis 330 of thetrailer 300 so that both of the longitudinal axes 290, 390 are in avertical position; this step may be performed before or after loadingthe apparatus into a transport enclosure.

As another example, the log splitter beam 200 of the apparatus 100 maybe positioned into the configuration shown in FIG. 1b whereby thelongitudinal axis 290 is in a vertical position and is perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis 390 of the support beam 342. Thereafter, thesupport beam 342 may be pivoted into a vertical position so that thelongitudinal axis 390 is vertical and parallel to the longitudinal axis290. In this example, it may be necessary to remove all but one of thebolts or fasteners securing the support beam 342 to the axle assembly326 (e.g., via the second bracket assembly 336) to allow for rotation ofthe support beam 342 about an axis that is parallel to the pivot axis334. Once in the vertical position, the locking bracket assembly 270 maybe used to secure the support beam 342 to the log splitter frame 200.Also in this example, the axle assembly 326 and pump and motor assembly454 may not rotate about the rotation axis 334 or may otherwise remainin the same position. For instance, compare FIGS. 1b and 3 b. In anycase, the substantially assembled apparatus 100 may be positioned intoany appropriate resting position within the transport enclosure (e.g.,cargo trailer) with the longitudinal axes 290, 390 in a verticalposition. Additional log splitting apparatuses may be similarlypositioned within the transport enclosure.

To facilitate maintenance of a substantially assembled log splittingapparatus (e.g., the log splitting apparatus 100 or another logsplitting apparatus) in such a vertical orientation (e.g., where thelongitudinal axes 290, 390 are both positioned vertically) within atransport enclosure, FIGS. 2 and 3 a present perspective views of asupport base 1000 (e.g., pallet, transport structure, etc.) onto or overwhich an assembled log splitting apparatus (e.g., log splittingapparatus 100) may be positioned that is configured to maintain thelongitudinal axes 290, 390 in a vertical orientation. Broadly, thesupport base 1000 includes a framework 1004 that generally includesopposite front and rear portions 1008, 1012, opposite top and bottomportions 1016, 1020, and opposite first and second side portions 1024,1028.

For instance, the framework 1004 may include a plurality of stringers1032 (e.g., runners) having lengths that generally run from the frontportion 1008 to the rear portion 1012 and that provide a primary sourceof structural support for the support base 1000. The stringers 1032 mayinclude opposite top and bottom surfaces (not labeled), where the bottomsurfaces of the stringers 1032 may be configured to contact a supportsurface (e.g., ground, floor, etc.). As shown, the stringers 1032 may bespaced by any appropriate distance to create a number of channels 1036(e.g., passageways) through the framework 1004 for insertion or passageof tools of any appropriate machine (e.g., such as forks or tines of aforklift or the like) configured to manipulate (e.g., lift) the supportbase 1000 and a log splitting apparatus (e.g., log splitting apparatus100) positioned thereover. The framework 1004 may also include anyappropriate number or arrangement of cross-members 1040 rigidlyinterconnected in any appropriate manner to adjacent stringers 1032 toform a rigid, structurally sound unit.

The support base 1000 may also include at least first and secondlocation apparatuses 1044, 1048 that include respective receivingsurfaces 1052, 1056 for receiving respective first and second portionsof a log splitting apparatus (e.g., log splitting apparatus 100) whenthe longitudinal axis of the log splitter frame (e.g., longitudinal axis290) and, if included, the longitudinal axis of the support beam of thetrailer (e.g., longitudinal axis 390), are both in a verticalorientation. More specifically, the first and second locationapparatuses 1044, 1048 are configured to make contact with respectivefirst and second portions of the log splitting apparatus 100 tocounteract any moments about the rotation axis 330 created by virtue ofasymmetrical weight distribution of the apparatus 100 to maintain theverticality of the longitudinal axes 290, 390 (and that would otherwisetend to rotate the entire apparatus 100 about the rotation axis 330 sothat the longitudinal axes 290, 390 are other than substantiallyvertical, such as substantially horizontal). The first and secondlocation apparatuses 1044, 1048 may also be configured to inhibithorizontal movement or translation of the apparatus 100 (e.g., such asin directions perpendicular to the vertically-positioned longitudinalaxes 290, 390) absent the log splitting apparatus 100 first being liftedor otherwise moved in a direction along the longitudinal axes 290, 390.

In one arrangement, the first location apparatus 1044 may be in the formof a platform 1060 that is rigidly attached or connected to and thatprotrudes from the front portion 1008 of the framework 1004 in anyappropriate manner, where an upper surface of the platform 1060 is thereceiving surface 1052 that receives the first portion of the logsplitting apparatus 100. As just one example, the platform 1060 mayinclude one or more beams 1064 that extend outwardly from the frontportion 1008 of the framework 1004 for receipt of a first portion of thelog splitting apparatus 100. With reference to FIG. 3a , for example,the receiving surface 1052 of the first location apparatus 1044 may besized for receipt of a portion of the log splitter frame 200 near thefirst end 216, such as the stop member 238.

In one embodiment, the first location apparatus 1044 may also includeone or more projections, protrusions, or the like attached to andextending away from the receiving surface 1052 for use in inhibitingmovement of the first portion of the log splitting apparatus (e.g., ofthe stop member 238) in directions generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 290 of the log splitter beam 200. For instance, thefirst location apparatus 1044 may include at least a first wall 1068extending upwardly away from the receiving surface 1052 for inhibitingmovement of the stop member 238 in a first direction along a first axis1072 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 290 and/or anopposite second wall 1076 extending upwardly away from the receivingsurface 1052 for inhibiting movement of the stop member 238 in anopposite second direction along the first axis 1072.

As another example, the first location apparatus 1044 may also includeat least a third wall 1080 extending upwardly away from the receivingsurface 1052 for inhibiting movement of the stop member 238 in a firstdirection along a second axis 1084 that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 290 and/or an opposite fourth wall 1088 extendingupwardly away from the receiving surface 1052 for inhibiting movement ofthe stop member 238 in an opposite second direction along the secondaxis 1084. For instance, the third and fourth walls 1080, 1088 may bepart of two of the stringers 1032 of the framework 1004. In onearrangement, the first and second axes 1072, 1084 may be substantiallyperpendicular to each other to substantially inhibit movement of thestop member 238 within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis290 (absent the stop member 238 being lifted in a direction parallel toor along the longitudinal axis 238). In one embodiment, the receivingsurface 1052 and various walls may essentially form a tray or depressionfor receipt of the stop member 238 (or other portion of the log splitterframe 200).

The second location apparatus 1048 may also be in the form of at leastone platform 1092 that is rigidly attached or connected to and thatprotrudes from the top portion 1008 of the framework 1004 in anyappropriate manner, where an upper surface of the platform 1092 is thereceiving surface 1056 that receives the second portion of the logsplitting apparatus 100. As just one example, the platform 1092 may beformed by at least one stringer 1096 (e.g., beam, runner, etc.) as wellas one or more upstanding members 1100 rigidly attached to the framework1004 to position the stringer 1096 above the top portion 1008. Thereceiving surface 1056 may be configured to receive a portion of thetrailer of a log splitting apparatus (e.g., a portion of trailer 300 oflog splitting apparatus 100), such as the axle assembly 326. See FIGS.2, 3 a, and 3 b. In one embodiment, a portion of receiving surface 1056of the second location apparatus 1048 may include a concavity 1104 forreceiving the axle of the axle assembly 326 for inhibiting orconstraining movement of the axle assembly 326 in first and secondopposite directions parallel to first axis 1072 (e.g., in the absence ofthe axle assembly 326 being at least partially lifted away from thereceiving surface 1056).

In one arrangement, the support base 1000 may include first and secondsecond location apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂ that are respectivelydisposed adjacent the first and second side portions 1024, 1028 of theframework 1004 such that the receiving surfaces 1056 of each of thefirst and second second location apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂ areconfigured to receive a different respective portion of the axleassembly 326. A distance 1108 between respective outer side portions ofthe first and second second location apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂ may beselected to be less than a distance between respective inner surfaces ofthe first and second wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂ of the trailer 300. In thisregard, upon placement of the axle assembly 326 of the trailer 300 overthe receiving surfaces 1056 of the first and second second locationapparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂, a portion of each of the first and secondwheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂ may hang or at least extend below the receivingsurfaces 1056 adjacent the outer sides of the first and second secondlocation apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂. See FIG. 3a . This arrangementadvantageously limits or constrains movement of the trailer 300 (andthus the apparatus 100 as a whole) in first and second oppositedirections along the rotation axis 330. The specific distance 1108 maybe selected to provide a desired amount of slop relative to theparticular log splitting apparatus being positioned over the supportbase 1000.

With reference to FIG. 7, it can be seen how the receiving surfaces1052, 1056 of the first and second location apparatuses may be spaceddifferent distances 1112, 1116 from a reference plane 1120 passingthrough the framework 1004 that is generally parallel to the top andbottom portions 1016, 1020 of the framework 1004 (and perpendicular tothe longitudinal axes 290, 390 of the apparatus 100 placed over thesupport base 1000). This arrangement accounts for the situation where,like with the disclosed apparatus 100, the axle assembly 326 of thetrailer 300 would be spaced from a support surface (e.g., floor of cargotrailer) when the apparatus 100 is positioned so that the longitudinalaxes 290, 390 are both positioned vertically. More specifically, thisarrangement advantageously assists in stabilizing the apparatus toprevent or limit tilting of the apparatus 100 away from the positionwhere the longitudinal axes 290, 390 are both positioned vertically(e.g., due to asymmetrical weight distribution of the apparatus 100 whenthe longitudinal axes 290, 390 are both positioned vertically).

In one arrangement, the support base 1000 may include a third locationapparatus 1124 having a receiving surface 1128 for receiving arespective third portion of a log splitting apparatus (e.g., logsplitting apparatus 100) when the longitudinal axis of the log splitterframe (e.g., longitudinal axis 290) and, if included, the longitudinalaxis of the support beam of the trailer (e.g., longitudinal axis 390),are both in a vertical orientation. Receipt of the third portion of thelog splitting apparatus 100 on the receiving surface 1128 of the thirdlocation apparatus 1124 further serves to stabilize the apparatus 100 inthe aforementioned vertical orientation. As an example, the thirdlocation apparatus 1124 may be in the form of at least one platform 1132that is rigidly attached or connected to and that protrudes from the topportion 1008 of the framework 1004 adjacent the rear portion 1012 of theframework 1004.

For instance, the platform 1132 may be formed by at least onecross-member 1140 (e.g., beam, runner, stringer, etc.) as well as one ormore upstanding members 1144 rigidly attached to the framework 1004 toposition the cross-member 1140 above the upper portion 1016. To increasethe surface area of the receiving surface 1128, a rigid plate 1148 orthe like may be appropriately secured to the cross-member. The receivingsurface 1128 may be configured to receive a portion of the driveassembly of a log splitting apparatus (e.g., a portion of drive assembly400 of log splitting apparatus 100), such as the pump and motor assembly454. See FIG. 3b . With reference to FIG. 7, it can be seen how adistance 1152 between the reference plane 1120 and the receiving surface1128 of the third location apparatus 1124 may be greater than thedistance 1112 and the same as the distance 1116 (as shown in FIG. 7) ordifferent than the distance 1116 (greater or less than) depending uponthe particular design and configuration of the log splitting apparatus.

With reference to FIGS. 4a -4 b, it can be seen how adjacent first andsecond support bases 1000 ₁, 1000 ₂ can advantageously be nested, suchas by inserting a portion of the first location apparatus 1044 of thesecond support base 1000 ₂ into a gap or opening 1156 in the definedbetween adjacent stringers 1032 of the framework 1004 of the firstsupport base 1000 ₁. The first and second support bases 1000 ₁, 1000 ₂can similarly be nested with adjacent support bases, and so on. Withreference to FIGS. 5a -5 c, this arrangement advantageously allows forthe nesting of adjacent log splitting apparatus systems 1300 ₁, 1300 ₂during shipment and the like to make more efficient use of shippingspace, where the first system 1300 ₁ includes a first log splittingapparatus 100 ₁ supported over the first support base 1000 ₁ and thesecond system 1300 ₂ includes a second log splitting apparatus 100 ₂supported over the second support base 1000 ₂. As nested, a portion ofone log splitting apparatus is disposed above or below a portion of anadjacent log splitting apparatus.

In use, a particular log splitting apparatus such as the log splittingapparatus 100 may be appropriately moved (e.g., rolled) over to arespective support base 1000 so as to position first and second wheels322 ₁, 322 ₂ adjacent the outside surfaces of the first and secondsecond location apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂ and rest or otherwise supportthe axle assembly 326 on the receiving surfaces 1056 of the first andsecond second location apparatuses 1048 ₁, 1048 ₂. Part of this processmay also include positioning the pump and motor assembly 454 onto thereceiving surface 1128 of the third location apparatus 1124 and the stopmember 238 onto the receiving surface 1052 of the first locationapparatus 1044 (e.g., so that the stop member 238, axle assembly 326,and pump and motor assembly 454 are simultaneously resting or receivedon the receiving surfaces 1052, 1056, 1128 of the first, second andthird location apparatuses 1044, 1048, 1124). For instance, theapparatus 100 in the configuration of FIG. 1b may be rolled over andpositioned onto a support base 1000 as discussed above and then thesupport beam 342 of the trailer 300 may be appropriately pivoted ormoved into the vertical position so that its longitudinal axis 390 isvertical and parallel to the longitudinal axis 290 of the log splitterframe 200 (e.g., via appropriately manipulating the bolts through thesecond mounting bracket assembly 336). Alternatively, the support beam342 may first be moved into the vertical position and then the apparatus100 may be rolled over and positioned onto the support base 1000.

FIGS. 6a-6b illustrate a plurality of log splitting apparatus systems1300 being loaded into an interior 1204 of a transport enclosure 1200(e.g., semi-trailer) and, more specifically, illustrate the efficientuse of the interior 1204 of the transport enclosure 1200 by way ofpositioning the longitudinal axes 290, 390 vertically within theinterior 1204 which vertical positioning is maintained by the supportbases 1000. In one arrangement, a forklift or the like may be used tolift each system 1300 off a floor or ground surface (e.g., via insertingfork tines into channels 1036 in support base 1000) and appropriatelyposition the system 1300 onto the bed or floor 1208 of the transportenclosure 1200. In one arrangement, the forklift may be driven (with thesystem 1300 on the fork tines thereof) directly into the interior 1204of the transport enclosure 1200 and the system 1300 may be deposited atan appropriate location within the interior 1204. Alternatively, supportbases 1000 may be positioned on the floor 1208 of the transportenclosure 1200 and then log splitting apparatuses 100 may beappropriately moved into the transport enclosure 1200 (e.g., via rollingthe same up a ramp or the like) and positioned over respective supportbases 100. In any case, adjacent systems 1300 may be nested as discussedpreviously in relation to FIGS. 5a -5 c.

If necessary, a system 1300 may be repositioned by pushing, pulling orotherwise urging the entire system 1300 so as to slide the lower portion1020 of the support base 1000 over the floor 1208 or other surface. Inthe event the wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂ contact the floor 1208 or other groundsurface when the log splitting apparatus 100 is positioned over thesupport base 1000 as discussed above with the longitudinal axes 290, 390in the vertical position (or otherwise perpendicular to the floor 1208or other surface), the wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂ may roll as the system 1300is being moved. In any case, once the transport enclosure 1200 hasarrived at a destination such as a retailer, each system 1300 may beunloaded from the transport enclosure 1200 and appropriately moved intoa receiving location within the retailer, whereupon the log splittingapparatus 100 may be removed from the support base 1000 in asubstantially fully assembled state and the log splitting apparatus maybe presented for sale.

As an example, a “substantially fully assembled state” may be when thelog splitting apparatus 100 is in an at least 50% assembled state; inother words, this may be when at least 50% of the parts of the logsplitting apparatus 100 are connected to another part of the logsplitting apparatus 100 (e.g., or when no more than 50% of the parts ofthe log splitting apparatus 100 are not connected to another part of thelog splitting apparatus 100). As another example, a “substantially fullyassembled state” may be when the log splitting apparatus 100 is in an atleast 75% assembled state, or in an at least 95% assembled state).

In one arrangement, the retailer may move the support beam 342 of thetrailer 300 back into a horizontal position such as by releasing thelocking bracket assembly 270, pivoting the support beam 342, and theninserting the various bolts or fasteners through the second bracketassembly (or other appropriate mounting bracket) and the end of thesupport beam 342 so as to fix the support beam in the horizontalposition (as in FIGS. 1a-1b ). The retailer may then roll the logsplitting apparatus to any appropriate location by lifting the end ofthe support beam 342 and rolling the same apparatus on the first andsecond wheels 322 ₁, 322 ₂.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. Furthermore, the description is notintended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the aboveteachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within thescope of the disclosure herein.

While the first, second and third location apparatuses 1044, 1052, 1124have been discussed as being positioned on the framework 1004 atparticular positions and having receiving surfaces 1052, 1056, 1128disposed at particular distances 1112, 1116, 1152 from the referenceplane 1120, it is to be understood that numerous variations to suchpositions and distances may be made based on the particular logsplitting apparatus being supported (e.g., the dimensions thereof, theparticular components, thereof, etc.) so as to maintain the longitudinalaxes 290 and/or 390 of the apparatus in a vertical position (orotherwise perpendicular to the floor or ground surface) by way ofcounteracting any asymmetrical mass distributions that may otherwisetend to tilt the apparatus and move the longitudinal axes out of thevertical positions.

It is also envisioned that fewer or more than the three locationapparatuses may be included as part of a particular support base 1000.In one variation, for instance, only the first and third locationapparatuses 1024, 1124 may be included (e.g., in which case the thirdlocation apparatus 1124 would become the “second” location apparatus).Furthermore, the various location apparatuses may take forms differentthan described and shown herein. For instance, the second locationapparatus 1048 may in one embodiment include a single receiving surface1056 that extends all the way across the upper portion 1016 of theframework 1004 between the first and second side portions 1024, 1028. Asanother example, the upstanding members 1100 and stringers 1096 of eachsecond location apparatus 1048 may be replaced with a single plate orcontinuous wall. Still further, one or more additional or differentlocation apparatuses may be included as part of the support base 1000 sothat the same support base 1000 can accommodate log splittingapparatuses or power equipment of different configurations or designs.Furthermore, various additional modifications may be made to the supportbase 1000 disclosed herein. As an example, while the framework 1004 hasbeen illustrated and described as being made up of a particulararrangement of stringers 1032 and cross-members 1040, the framework 1004may take numerous other forms without departing from the spirit of thepresent disclosure.

It is noted that the reference plane 1120 (see FIG. 7) has beendescribed merely for purposes of explaining how two or more of thelocation apparatuses of the support base 1000 may be disposed atdifferent heights relative to the vertical (or otherwise relative to theperpendicular from the ground or a floor) so as to counteractasymmetrical mass distributions that may otherwise tend to tilt a logsplitting apparatus away from the vertical. Thus, the reference plane1120 may be disposed at locations other than that shown in FIG. 7 solong as it is substantially horizontal or otherwise parallel to a groundor floor surface over which the support base 1000 is resting.

In one arrangement, the support base 1000 may be configured to maintainthe longitudinal axes 290, 390 in specific positions other thanvertical, such as at 45° to the ground or floor surface, 75° to theground or floor surface, etc. This may be advantageous depending uponthe specific configuration of the interior 1204 of the transportenclosure 1200, a specific display arrangement desired by a retailer,and/or the like.

In one arrangement, one or more of the location apparatuses may beadjustable to accommodate specific log splitting apparatuses and/or toposition log splitting apparatuses and particular desired orientations.As just one example, each of the upstanding members 1100 of the secondlocation apparatus 1048 may in one arrangement be telescoping to allow auser to adjust the distance 1116 between the receiving surface 1056 andthe reference plane 1120.

The support base 1000 may be constructed of any appropriate materialsand of any appropriate dimensions consistent with the presentdisclosure.

As discussed herein, the support base 1000 may be configured to acceptand support various other types of log splitting apparatuses other thanthe log splitting apparatus 100 disclosed herein. In one arrangement,the support beam 342 may be attached to the axle assembly 326 atlocations other than at the first end 344 (e.g., at a location betweenthe first and second ends 344, 346), such as when the log splitter frame200 is not configured to pivot about pivot axis 334 relative to supportbeam 342 and is rigidly fixed in a position that is parallel to thesupport beam 342. As another example, and with reference to FIG. 1a ,for instance, the support beam 234 of the log splitting frame 200 andthe support beam 342 of the trailer 300 may be replaced with a singlesupport beam that serves as a support for the log splitter frame and forthe trailer and that could attach to a vehicle. In this case, thelongitudinal axes 290, 390 would become a single longitudinal axis.

The various uses of “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. herein (e.g.,“first location apparatus,” “second location apparatus,” etc.) have beenused merely to facilitate the reader's understanding of the variousteachings herein and are not meant to limit the disclosure. As just oneexample, the first location apparatus 1024 could in some embodiments bethe “second” location apparatus.

The support base 1000 disclosed herein may also be used to maintainother types of power equipment and machinery in desired positionsrelative to a ground or floor for use in shipping of the power equipmentor the like.

The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explainbest modes known of practicing the invention and to enable othersskilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplication(s) or use(s) of the invention. It is intended that theappended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination, comprising: a log splittingapparatus, including: a log splitter frame including a support beamhaving first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis extendingalong a length of the support beam between the first and second oppositeends, and an upper portion for receiving a log to be split with the logsplitting apparatus; a stop member rigidly attached to and extendingaway from the upper portion of the support beam for providing anopposing force against a log being pushed against the stop member by asplitting assembly that is linearly translatable over the upper portionof the support beam for use in splitting a log received over the upperportion; a trailer connected to the log splitter frame for supportingthe log splitter frame and facilitating transport of the log splitterframe, wherein the trailer includes a wheel and axle assembly, andwherein the wheel and axle assembly includes first and second wheelsthat are interconnected by an axle assembly and are rotatable about arotation axis; and a pump and motor assembly attached to the trailer fordriving the splitting assembly over the upper portion of the supportbeam; a base that receives the log splitting apparatus for maintainingverticality of the longitudinal axis of the support beam, wherein thebase includes a framework that includes a first receiving portiondisposed in a first reference plane that is parallel to and is disposeda first distance from a horizontal reference plane passing through thebase, wherein the framework includes a second receiving portion disposedin a second reference plane that is parallel to and is disposed a seconddistance from the horizontal reference plane passing through the base,and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance;wherein the stop member of the log splitting apparatus is positionedover and in contact with an upper surface of the first receiving portionof the base; wherein the pump and motor assembly is positioned over andin contact with an upper surface of the second receiving portion of thebase, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second receivingportions face in a common direction, and wherein the second receivingportion counteracts an asymmetrical weight distribution of the logsplitting apparatus to inhibit rotation of the log splitter frame aboutthe rotation axis and thereby maintain substantial verticality of thelongitudinal axis of the support beam on the base.
 2. The combination ofclaim 1, wherein the first receiving portion constrains movement of thelog splitter frame along a first axis that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the support beam.
 3. The combination of claim 2,wherein the first receiving portion constrains movement of the logsplitter frame along a second axis that is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the support beam, wherein the first and second axesare perpendicular.
 4. The combination of claim 1, wherein the stopmember extends perpendicularly away from the upper portion of thesupport beam.
 5. The combination of claim 1, wherein the log splittingapparatus further includes a splitting assembly that is linearlytranslatable along a translation axis over the upper portion of thesupport beam towards and away from the stop member for splitting a logreceived over the upper portion of the support beam, wherein thetranslation axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supportbeam.
 6. The combination of claim 5, wherein the log splitting apparatusfurther includes a drive assembly for linearly translating the splittingassembly along the translation axis.
 7. The combination of claim 6,wherein the drive assembly includes a drive cylinder connected to thelog splitter frame, and a motor for powering the drive cylinder.
 8. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the trailer includes a support beamhaving first and second opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extendingalong a length of the support beam between the first and second oppositeends, wherein the longitudinal axis of the support beam of the traileris perpendicular to the rotation axis, and wherein the longitudinal axisof the support beam of the trailer is adapted to be parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the support beam of the log splitter frame.
 9. Thecombination of claim 8, wherein the support beam of the trailer isattached to the axle assembly.
 10. The combination of claim 8, whereinthe log splitter frame is pivotally interconnected to the trailer abouta pivot axis that is parallel to the rotation axis.
 11. The combinationof claim 8, wherein the log splitting apparatus further includes alocking assembly that selectively locks the log splitter frame to thesupport beam of the trailer when the longitudinal axes of the supportbeams of the log splitter frame and the trailer are parallel.
 12. Thecombination of claim 1, wherein the framework of the base includes athird receiving portion, wherein the wheel and axle assembly ispositioned over and in contact with an upper surface of the thirdreceiving portion of the base, and wherein the third receiving portioninhibits movement of the log splitting apparatus relative to thehorizontal reference plane passing through the base.
 13. The combinationof claim 12, wherein the third receiving portion includes a firstmovement restriction apparatus disposed adjacent a first side of thebase and a second movement restriction apparatus disposed adjacent asecond side of the base, wherein the first movement restrictionapparatus includes first and second protruding members and a receivingdepression disposed between the first and second protruding members,wherein the second movement restriction apparatus includes first andsecond protruding members and a receiving depression disposed betweenthe first and second protruding members, wherein a first portion of thewheel and axle assembly is located adjacent the first wheel within thereceiving depression of the first movement restriction apparatus, andwherein a second portion of the wheel and axle assembly is locatedadjacent the second wheel within the receiving depression of the secondmovement restriction apparatus.
 14. The combination of claim 13, whereinthe first and second protruding members of the first and second movementrestriction apparatuses inhibit movement of the wheel and axle assemblyin opposite first and second directions along a first axis that isparallel to the horizontal reference plane, wherein the first and secondmovement restriction apparatuses inhibit movement of the wheel and axleassembly in opposite first and second directions along a second axisthat is parallel to the horizontal reference plane, and wherein thefirst and second axes are perpendicular.
 15. A system, comprising: afirst combination, comprising: a log splitting apparatus, including: alog splitter frame including a support beam having first and secondopposite ends, a longitudinal axis extending along a length of thesupport beam between the first and second opposite ends, and an upperportion for receiving a log to be split with the log splittingapparatus; a stop member rigidly attached to and extending away from theupper portion of the support beam for providing an opposing forceagainst a log being pushed against the stop member by a splittingassembly that is linearly translatable over the upper portion of thesupport beam for use in splitting a log received over the upper portion;a trailer connected to the log splitter frame for supporting the logsplitter frame and facilitating transport of the log splitter frame,wherein the trailer includes a wheel and axle assembly, and wherein thewheel and axle assembly includes first and second wheels that areinterconnected by an axle assembly and are rotatable about a rotationaxis; and a pump and motor assembly attached to the trailer for drivingthe splitting assembly over the upper portion of the support beam; abase that receives the log splitting apparatus for maintainingverticality of the longitudinal axis of the support beam, wherein thebase includes a framework that includes a first receiving portiondisposed in a first reference plane that is parallel to and is disposeda first distance from a horizontal reference plane passing through thebase, wherein the framework includes a second receiving portion disposedin a second reference plane that is parallel to and is disposed a seconddistance from the horizontal reference plane passing through the base,and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance;wherein the stop member of the log splitting apparatus is positionedover and in contact with an upper surface of the first receiving portionof the base; wherein the pump and motor assembly is positioned over andin contact with an upper surface of the second receiving portion of thebase, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second receivingportions face in a common direction, and wherein the second receivingportion counteracts an asymmetrical weight distribution of the logsplitting apparatus to inhibit rotation of the log splitter frame aboutthe rotation axis and thereby maintain substantial verticality of thelongitudinal axis of the support beam on the base; and a secondcombination of, comprising: a log splitting apparatus, including: a logsplitter frame including a support beam having first and second oppositeends, a longitudinal axis extending along a length of the support beambetween the first and second opposite ends, and an upper portion forreceiving a log to be split with the log splitting apparatus; a stopmember rigidly attached to and extending away from the upper portion ofthe support beam for providing an opposing force against a log beingpushed against the stop member by a splitting assembly that is linearlytranslatable over the upper portion of the support beam for use insplitting a log received over the upper portion; a trailer connected tothe log splitter frame for supporting the log splitter frame andfacilitating transport of the log splitter frame, wherein the trailerincludes a wheel and axle assembly, and wherein the wheel and axleassembly includes first and second wheels that are interconnected by anaxle assembly and are rotatable about a rotation axis; and a pump andmotor assembly attached to the trailer for driving the splittingassembly over the upper portion of the support beam; a base thatreceives the log splitting apparatus for maintaining verticality of thelongitudinal axis of the support beam, wherein the base includes aframework that includes a first receiving portion disposed in a firstreference plane that is parallel to and is disposed a first distancefrom a horizontal reference plane passing through the base, wherein theframework includes a second receiving portion disposed in a secondreference plane that is parallel to and is disposed a second distancefrom the horizontal reference plane passing through the base, andwherein the second distance is greater than the first distance; whereinthe stop member of the log splitting apparatus is positioned over and incontact with an upper surface of the first receiving portion of thebase; wherein the pump and motor assembly is positioned over and incontact with an upper surface of the second receiving portion of thebase, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second receivingportions face in a common direction, and wherein the second receivingportion counteracts an asymmetrical weight distribution of the logsplitting apparatus to inhibit rotation of the log splitter frame aboutthe rotation axis and thereby maintain substantial verticality of thelongitudinal axis of the support beam on the base, wherein the base ofthe first combination is nested with the base of the second combination.16. The system of claim 15, wherein the stop member of the log splittingapparatus of the second combination is inserted under a portion of thepump and motor assembly of the log splitting apparatus of the firstcombination to nest the first combination with the second combination.17. The system of claim 15, wherein a portion of the base of the secondcombination to nest the first combination with the second combination isdisposed within a portion of the base of the first combination.